In the balance in the Iraqi conflict is something greater than that country's future: the relationship of the Muslim world to other nations, the French ambassador to the United States told a San Diego audience last week.

"What is at stake now in Iraq is huge," Jean-David Levitte told students in an address at San Diego State University's Institute on World Affairs.

"Because of this, we have to work together, and France is ready to help."

In an interview, Levitte explained that once an Iraqi government is elected as planned for June, France will be ready to train and equip Iraqi military police who can help establish and maintain security in the country.

"Security is the main challenge," Levitte said. "There will be no reconstruction without security."

Even so, he reiterated France's opposition to the American-led invasion, saying, "We still consider this war was not necessary."

There was no evidence, he said, that Saddam Hussein was an imminent threat to the United States and no evidence linking him to those who attacked America on Sept. 11, 2001, including Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda.

France does not intend to send its own troops to Iraq, even as part of a U.N. force, Levitte said.

Elsewhere in the globe, the ambassador said, France stands with Europe "as a strong partner for the U.S." in opposing what he called the diseases of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. An example is the sharing of intelligence about terrorists, he said.

He rejected the new offer of a truce by al-Qaeda if European nations pull out of Iraq. The offer was made on a tape purported to be from bin Laden.

"The purpose is clear – to divide partners in this war against terrorism," Levitte said. "Will it work? Of course not.

"What the terrorists want is to destroy our values. What is key in this war against terrorism is that we stay together, and that is the mood in Europe."

Levitte was appointed ambassador to the United States in 2002. He recalled watching from his office at the U.N. as the World Trade Center was destroyed.

"On this day I felt I was an American," he said, echoing a sentiment many voiced at the time.

He said disagreements between France and America over Iraq do not portend the end of the long alliance between the nations.

"That is the life of a democratic family," he said. "I am sure this friendship will last forever."

He described how the European Union, now with a common currency, the euro, is expanding, adding new Eastern European nations and merging some national defense systems.

He disputed suggestions that France and Germany want the EU to be a sort of counterweight to the influence of America.